KUALA LUMPUR - Indonesia and Pakistan are seeking to deepen economic and social cooperation, with Jakarta looking to upgrade an existing trade pact into a more comprehensive agreement.

The move aims to boost investment, empower women, and increase resilience to climate change, according to officials.

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti met Pakistan’s First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari in Karachi on Saturday to discuss expanding bilateral ties.

Esti said in a statement on Sunday,  Indonesia hopes to elevate the Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement into a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by 2027

“Upgrading our cooperation from the IP-PTA to a CEPA would give greater certainty to businesses and open new opportunities to increase trade and investment flows between Indonesia and Pakistan,” Esti said during the meeting at Bilawal House last Saturday.

The discussions focused on women’s empowerment, climate resilience, social welfare, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges.

Esti said the countries share a long-standing relationship based on friendship, solidarity, and a commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth, creating strong momentum for closer ties.

Climate change was also a key topic, with both sides noting extreme weather as a shared global challenge requiring coordinated action and knowledge exchange.

Esti expressed interest in Sindh Province’s experience in developing large-scale, climate-resilient housing after the 2022 floods that displaced millions.

She praised policies granting home ownership to women, calling them a progressive step that aligns with Indonesia’s own agenda to strengthen women’s economic and social empowerment.

The deputy minister also highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in edible oil production, investment, food security, and the development of regional value chains.

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to Pakistan, describing it as a positive signal for stronger bilateral ties.

She also praised Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals program, noting Pakistan is pursuing similar social welfare goals through initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme to support women and children.